Screens for Teens Completes Over 35,000 EKG Tests

Free EKG Screening for Teens (Posted By lindsay17, Community Contributor)

By lindsay17, Community Contributor

The Max Schewitz Foundation recently concluded its Screens for Teens program for the 2012-2013 school year. The free school-wide EKG screening program has now tested over 35,000 students and found more than 650 students who required further medical evaluation.

“Each time, we find at least one student who requires follow up,” said Mary Beth Schewitz, executive director of The Max Schewitz Foundation. “It’s gratifying to know we’re making a difference. We’ll continue to screen young adults, raise awareness for sudden cardiac death and hope that EKG’s become a standard of care in our country, like they are in many other countries.”

While the Foundation does not follow the students after referral, parents often contact the nonprofit to share outcomes and from them we can report:

• Two had open-heart surgery to correct defects often found on autopsy• Several have confirmed cases of HCM, the condition that claims most athlete’s lives• 1 in 1,000 or about 35 have WPW—a potentially life-threatening condition detected by EKG which can be cured with an outpatient procedure.• Dozens have Long QT, another potentially life-threatening condition that can vary in intensity and treatment.Screens for Teens, the Foundation’s school-wide EKG screening program is administered by trained parent volunteers and the EKGs are interpreted by Dr. Eli Lavie, of North Shore Cardiologists of Bannockburn and Medical Director of the Max Schewitz Foundation.

The Foundation plans to bring its free EKG testing to eight area high schools in the Fall 2013. For a complete listing of upcoming events and testing dates, visit: www.ekgyourteen.org.